The Walking Dead “Strangers” opened with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Tara (Alanna Masterson) making amends, as the former has decided not to hold the latter's past association with the Governor against her. More mercy is shown towards Carol (Melissa McBride) by Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman), who has accepted the fact that she killed Karen (Melissa Ponzio). As for what happened with Lizzie (Brighton Sharbino) and Mika (Kyla Kenedy), Tyreese would rather forget about it.

'The Walking Dead' Recap

After his chat with Tara, Rick seeks out Carol, looking to make amends for exiling her from the group upon learning that she’d taken Karen’s fate into her own hands. Carol, not inclined to remain bitter, acknowledges that she was able to survive, just like he’d predicted. When Rick asks her if she’s willing to rejoin the group, she nods.

Meanwhile, Bob (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) is entertaining Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) with their “Find the Good in the Bad” game. All of the sudden, their diversion is interrupted by cries for help. The crier was Gabriel (Seth Gilliam). Gabriel, who Daryl (Norman Reedus) saved from a hoard of walkers with some arrows from his crossbow, insists that all he needs is God’s protection. Gabriel’s unwillingness to acknowledge the very practical means of survival is only one thing that the group finds stranger.

Gabriel & His Church

Of more concern to Rick is Gabriel’s unwillingness to cop to committing any deprave acts since the zombie apocalypse. He maintains that he’s yet to kill someone and doesn’t divulge any other information. According to Gabriel, God is the only one who’d ever need him to confess to his crimes. Despite his skepticism, Rick and the rest decide to take refuge in Gabriel’s church. When he decides to go out on a supply run with Glenn (Steven Yeun), Maggie (Lauren Cohan), Tara, Michonne (Danai Gurira), Bob and Sasha, he leaves Judith with Tyreese and warns Carl (Chandler Riggs) about his persistent lack of safety.

While out in search of supplies, Bob tries to have a heart-to-heart with Rick. He warns the leader that he might want to be mindful about the implications of the corruption of his morals. The zombie apocalypse might require him to do away with moral hang-ups, but should the world restore order, he might find himself unable to reintegrate.

Eventually Rick’s group comes upon the county food bank. In order to get to the goods, they have to contend with a group of putrefying zombies wading in waist-high water. Gabriel is of little use to the group, getting himself cornered and needing Rick to come through to save him. Off on their own, Daryl and Carol come across an abandoned vehicle that could be of use should they need to make a fast exit from the church.

When Rick returns to the church, Carl informs him that there are troubling scratch marks on the windows, making it look as though Gabriel had intentionally been keeping people out. Instead of immediately getting rid of Gabriel, Rick opts for a stern conversation that boils down to Rick saying he’ll kill Gabriel if he hurts his family or any member of the group.

Gareth Captures Bob

Before long, the mood within the church lightens up, as they indulge in the recently procured canned goods and the unblessed Communion wine. In a toast led by Abraham, the group looks to the future, establishing a stable society in which children like Judith can grow up and lead normal lives. Then, after growing closer with Maggie, Tara couldn’t help but reveal her past associate with the Governor, and she's surprised to receive a hug and acceptance from Maggie, whose father died at the Governor's hands. Striking a slightly discordant note than the rest was Bob, who may or may not have been hiding a zombie bite.

Instead of attending the festivities, Carol had gone back to the getaway car, but Daryl intercepts her, wondering why she tried to leave. Daryl doesn’t get an answer before a car speeds past them with Beth inside. The two hop into the car and pursue Beth’s kidnappers.

Bob, upon leaving the party, walks outside to cry. In the midst of his breakdown, he gets knocked out. The next thing he knows he’s tied up before a campfire as Garreth cooks up his foot for dinner.